DSI NEWS FLASH

Incredible Find!

While gathering all the collectibles and memorabilia for the Wounded Warrior fundraiser, we found a box with about 50 magazines featuring GM P. on the cover or in a major article such as his induction in the Black Belt Hall of Fame or his tour of Afghanistan. This is truly a rare find: some are one of a kind, out of print collectibles; some are from foreign countries. There is even one from 1991 with GM P. on the cover not as the featured Martial Artist but as the recipient of a kick!

We have decided to make these magazines available for the "Wounded Warrior Project" fundraiser in "Grab Bag" style:

• Each pack will have 5 different magazines.
• Each magazine will be personally autographed by GM P.
• Each pack will have a random selection. You cannot "choose" which magazines are in the pack.
• For these great collectibles we are asking for a Wounded Warrior donation of only $30 per pack (plus shipping of $12).
• Hurry!! Only 10 packs available!

 

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT FUNDRAISER

Since 2007 we have raised $45,000. for the Wounded Warrior Project. We are starting 2011 with this new idea that we believe will help us have our best year yet! GM P. is donating dozens of personal Martial Arts items, collectibles and memorabilia accumulated over the years. Every dollar received will go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please help us in this worthy endeavor. Show your gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for all of us by making a generous donation and in the process own a piece of Martial Arts history!

Go to www.combathapkido.com and click on the "WWP Fundraiser" button on the left side to check out the fundraiser items! 

SPAIN SEMINARS A GREAT SUCCESS!

During the weekend of October 22-23-24 GM P., Master Rivas and Master Gridley conducted 3 seminars in Valencia, Spain. Over 100 students and Instructors from Spain, Italy and Germany participated in the training over the 3 days. The annual event is hosted by ICHF Director for Spain, Master Juan Romero.

On Saturday night GM P. attended the annual Hall of Fame Gala hosted by Budo International / Cinturon Negro Magazine. GM P. (with Master Rivas who had been inducted in 2008) had the pleasure of inducting Master Gridley, Master Eric Deveau, Master Mario Rama and Instructors Chris Blackwell and Francesco Sanna.

The seminars received medial attention locally with a newspaper article and a TV station segment and also nationally with a TV segment on Spanish National TV.

The ICHF is growing in Spain and Master Romero has recently opened a branch in Madrid.

End of the Year - Chicago Seminar

Download 10 DSI conf flyer  Download 10 DSI Registration Form

Don't miss the last seminar of the year in Chicago! Click on the links below to find out more information!  Early registration has been extended so get yours in now!

 

 

BRAND NEW... THE LEGACY SERIES DVDs

A must for every student and Instructor of Combat Hapkido and for anyone interested in our Self Defense system.

THE HISTORY

In 1993, after founding the ICHF in 1992, Grandmaster Pellegrini traveled to Korea for a week of training with Grandmaster In Sun Seo and to secure approval to continue the development of “Combat Hapkido”. Later that year, Grandmaster Pellegrini structured the first formal curriculum of the system and released the 4 volume VHS video series “Combat Hapkido”. This was followed in 1995 by another 4 volume series “Advanced Combat Hapkido”. Both series became an instant success around the World and received very positive reviews by the Martial Arts community.

The masters of these VHS productions were destroyed in the flood of 2009 that devastated our HQ office and we thought that all that original, classical material was lost forever. But recently, while cleaning out a closet, we found one set.  We immediately hired a lab to convert them into DVD format to preserve the material for present and future generations. And now with this new release, we are making the DVD series available so that Combat Hapkido fans around the World will have an opportunity to own this unique collection.

•  Hundreds of techniques – over 6 hours of program.
• See Grandmaster Pellegrini in his “early” days.
• Some never before seen techniques.
• The first evolution from “traditional” to “Combat” Hapkido.
• A valuable addition to your teaching arsenal.
• A beautifully performed, professionally filmed technical treasure.
• A unique Martial Arts collector’s item.
• The official, historical legacy of Combat Hapkido.

You can get them on our site www.combathapkido.com or by calling us at 480-895-9700 and ordering them!

 

US Embassy in Colombia Award to GM P.

In 2008 Grandmaster Pellegrini and Master David Rivas were invited by Mr. John Soto, our regional Director in Colombia, to conduct Defensive Tactic training for the Colombian Air Force Anti-Terrorist Unit and the Security personnel of the US Embassy in Bogota.

GM P. was very surprised when he received this award (shown in the photo) in the mail today, consisting of an American Flag (flown by the US Marines in Colombia) and a certificate, all elegantly framed in beautiful wood, making this a terrific presentation.

We thank our friend, John Soto, for this incredibly beautiful award. We are sure that it took all his persuasion and patience to make the beaurocracy move swiftly and take only 2 years. Jokes aside, this is the kind of thing that makes all the sacrifices and the hard work of GM P. over the years worthwhile. Once again... Thank you John for your loyalty, support and friendship!  

 

Letter from FBI Agent to Grandmaster

GM Pellegrini,

 

I wanted to thank you again for the excellent Combat Hapkido seminar in Richmond, Virginia this past Saturday, October 2nd.  It was a great honor and privilege to have trained with you, Masters English and Scali, students, and other practitioners.  Master English and his students were excellent hosts, and they are blessed with an outstanding Dojang. 

I learned a tremendous amount.  Afterwards, I took many notes of the techniques you demonstrated, we learned, and practiced.  I trained my children the following day (who I have been training in martial arts for several years).  They are 2 boys and 1 girl (ages 6, 7, and 9).  They love hapkido and training with their dad.  We have our own small dojang in our home where we train, and where I plan to display your photo you signed to me.  Thank you again. 

I plan to attend future CH seminars, and pass the word among my FBI, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and other law enforcement, and martial arts colleagues, on the effectiveness of the system (especially for law enforcement professionals).

Lastly, as you requested, I attached the photo of you and I taken at the Dojang.  Please let me know if you have any problems receiving it, and I will re-send it.  I look forward to seeing you again, and training with Masters English, Scali, and Rivas in the future.

With great respect and best wishes for the health, happiness, and prosperity of you and your family, and in martial brotherhood,

 Joe Strantz

 

 

A SPECIAL CELEBRATION!!!

Almost 100 students, Instructors and their families gathered in Carteret, New Jersey on Saturday, September 18^th to honor Master Frank Huff (ICHF State Director) on his 65^th Birthday! The day included a rare “Triple Impact” seminar with GM P., Master Rivas and Master Gridley.  In the evening a gala banquet was held to celebrate Master Huff’s Birthday. At the banquet, he was also presented a plaque by GM P. in recognition of his unique accomplishment of having been the first and only Instructor to have attended 100 Combat Hapkido Seminars!!! Another highlight of the evening was the graduation of several Black Belts with the most notable being Master Alfred Medina (one of the few original students of GM P. from the early 1980’s) receiving his 7^th Dan in Combat Hapkido. The event was a great success with great training, strong camaraderie and lots of fun for everyone. Once again congratulations and best wishes to Master Frank Huff!!!!

COMBAT HAPKIDO SEMINAR BREAKS ALL RECORDS!

The 16th Annual ICHF Personal Protection Conference held in Lakewood, Colorado on Saturday/Sunday, April 24/25, 2010 was a tremendous success!

With 156 attendees representing 25 Charter schools from 13 states, the event proved that with the proper planning, promotion and support we can be successful even in a lousy economy (and a snowstorm the day before!). We commend Master Materkowski, Bud Brasier and Miriam Zoole for all their hard work and wonderful hospitality. And, of course, we thank all the attendees for their loyalty and support!

ATS Seminar breaks record

March 27th, 2010 High Point, North Carolina  Master Mark Gridley breaks ATS seminar attendance record!

 

Sr. Master Williford's proven method of hosting a seminar (the "secrets" he used were openly shared in a recent DSI newsletter) once again ensured a great turn out of over 70 attendees.  The participants came from all walks of life including civillians with no experience, Black Belts from many arts, ICHF/ITA Charter Members, Law enforcement, Military, healthcare workers and disabled students.  It was a fantastic event for the school resulting in new students for the school owner and a new attendance record for Master Gridley. 

 

Please contact Master Gridley at protectionarts@aol.com, staff@dsihq.com  or 414 839 8029 if you would like to host an ATS event at your school.